Yep. My toddler is 100% here for this activity. These shape people are hard to resist and have a little counting activity twist. Put this toddler counting activity on repeat. It’s a good one and is part of our favorite 101 preschool activities collection.
RELATED: Where can you find even more preschool math activities? Here are our top 50 math activities for preschoolers.
How to teach toddlers shapes:
Teach your toddler shapes through play. When I teach my toddlers shapes, I try to incorporate a variety of learning styles.
- Discuss corners. (vertices)
- Invite your toddler to go on a shape hunt.
- Go outside to find shapes in the environment.
- Look at objects within the home.
- Move.
- Talk about the sides of each shape.
- Touch the shapes.
RELATED: Stuck inside? This is a terrific list of indoor games for kids.
Combine multiple math skills into one easy activity
My three-year-old can count; however, he works on matching a number symbol to the correct number amount. Begin with smaller numbers and keep the setup simple, just like we do in these easy toddler activities.
I knew that adding shape people into his number practice would be a home run. These shape people are inviting to look at and help my toddler learn math hands-on. This means that he is actively working with his hands as he thinks rather than counting numbers on a worksheet. He and I also talk about the different shapes and total amounts.
Simple math activities like this give us plenty to chat about as he learns through play and sip my hot tea.
RELATED: I like to call these morning activities Breakfast invitations.
Supplies
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White Paper Roll
This paper is a staple in our home. Place it on the table or a verticle surface. So many uses!
40 Pack of Washable Markers
Share these markers with your kids, or keep them for yourself. I am not one to judge, and I also keep my markers separate.
Dot Stickers
What can these be used for? Just about any toddler or preschool activity. We love this pack!
Let’s set up this toddler counting activity!
- Tape down the white paper roll.
- Add simple shape figures. Here, we included a triangle, oval, rectangle, square, and rhombus.
- Add facial expressions. I keep the shapes happy, but you can also mix in different emotions.
- Draw black dots in the middle of the dot stickers to make eyes.
- When the shape people are finished, I place the dot stickers to the left of the paper and invite my toddler to begin.
PRO TIP: I want to remember that teachers will refer to the diamond as a rhombus in school, so using this language will help him down the road. We can include these shapes in other activities such as shape activities, Mystery Shapes, and Craft Stick Shape Match.
These dots stickers are a powerful way to strengthen fine motor strength in small hands. And yep! This simple math activity is a lot like its twin, Monster Googly Eye Count-Up.
What should I expect?
Sometimes when the boys are finished, they add coloring to the activity. Other times, they jump right out of their seat and play.
The idea is to plant the seed of important concepts to come.
This simple math activity worked on important math skills:
- 2D shapes
- Counting
- Number symbols
- Number names
- Quantity (number amounts)
Childhood isn’t a race; the goal is to offer many opportunities to learn and repeat ideas to build upon prior knowledge through play prompts.
Kickstart your morning routine with play.
PDF Startup Guide – A road map for executing mornings anchored in play, discovery, and learning.
PDF Activity Cards Set One and Two – Breakfast Invitations are play-based, hands-on, and designed with an intentional introduction to learning through play.
FAQ
The basics of numerical math stem from number recognition and learning how to count. These engaging counting activities involve fun ways to introduce numbers.
When learning is playful, children are more likely to take risks. The more risks, the more connections are made in the brain. As children repeat play patterns and take risks, they strengthen their intelligence. We want to make math approachable, enjoyable, and enough of a challenge that keeps children thinking and building on prior knowledge.
Inside this post of 40 math activities for kids, you will find play-based, hands-on math activities for preschoolers. Kids learn by practicing counting, graphing, measuring, learning shapes, and sorting through play. These are the best math activities for toddlers and preschoolers.
